Take precautions to protect yourself from excessive heat sweeping the region

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for North Reading and the entire region beginning at  Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21 at 8 p.m.

The town of North Reading will provide a cooling station in the air conditioned North Reading Police Department training room, located near the main lobby, which will be open from noon to 5 p.m. each day. Water will also be provided.

The following heat safety tips have been provided by the North Reading Police Department and Police Chief Michael P. Murphy:

North Reading Police Department offers hot weather safety tips ahead of potential heat wave

JULY 18, 2019 BY KELSEY BODE

NORTH READING — As this weekend’s projected heat wave approaches, Police Chief Michael P. Murphy would like to remind residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat and humidity.

The National Weather Service is predicting that temperatures will reach into the high 90s throughout the weekend in North Reading. Regionally, temperatures are forecast to be in the 90s to lower 100s, and Saturday is expected to be the hottest day.

An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for most of Massachusetts on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Police Department training room, located off of the lobby of the police station at 152 Park St., will be open to residents seeking relief from the heat on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Water will be available.

“It’s essential that everyone, especially those without air conditioning, has a safe place where they can go to avoid the heat and humidity this weekend, and for that reason we’re opening up the training room at the police department to serve that purpose,” Chief Murphy said. “The sun is at it’s hottest around 3 p.m., and that’s when it’s most important to avoid excessive physical activity, stay inside, drink water and rest.”

To prevent illness and injuries during the heat wave, the North Reading Police Department recommends the following safety tips from the American Red Cross, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and National Safety Council:

Heat safety tips:

  • Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and beverages high in caffeine and sugar.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc. Those without air conditioning who stay at home are encouraged to stay on the lowest floor, out of the sun, avoid using the stove and oven, and use fans.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
  • Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
  • Learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.

Tips for parents: 

  • Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
  • Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.

To learn more about summer safety, visit the American Red Cross or National Safety Council websites.